The Packing House is one of Milwaukee’s favorite restaurants.

If you drive on Layton Avenue past Mitchell International Airport on a Friday night, you’ll see a line of cars stretching around the block.

What makes people line up in their cars like people trying to get into a popular L.A. nightclub? It’s the Packing House Friday Fish Fry. On Friday, the Packing House has a drive up window for their Fish Fry and that is what many of those cars are picking up. They take cash only, no credit cards to keep the line moving. A Friday fish fry is a popular tradition in the Milwaukee area. The Packing House’s fish fry is well liked. It’s often a long line.

On Friday evenings, there is usually a long line of cars trying to enter here

The Packing House has a lot more than just a fish fry.

They have:

• Ribs
  

  The Packing House is located on Layton Ave facing the airport

• Steaks
• Seafood (more than just fried fish)
• Poultry
• Veal

Besides food, The Packing house also has a piano bar and cocktails.

My wife and I had a chance to eat there recently.

We both enjoyed it. The food was very good. I had a prime rib (I don’t think it is usually on the menu) and my wife had the Beef Wellington. Both the steaks were very good. Soup was included and we both really liked the soup. We also really liked the fresh bread that came with it, the bread was something we both noted. The food was very good.

I’d say The Packing House is on the more formal side of casual dining.

It’s listed as casual/ formal dining. There’s no dress code but I’d have felt out of place in jeans and a T-shirt. You would not need a tie and I felt fine with just a collared shirt (I hate ties with a passion). They have someone to check your coat if you would like before you enter the dinning room. It is probably a great place for a business lunch.

The service was great.

The Packing House is well know for Friday Fish Fry

Our waitress was wonderful. It was a nice atmosphere. There was a live singer in the bar singing mostly light jazz type music. It was not loud and barely noticeable in the dinning room.

Our meal for two was in the $50-$60 range.

That included our tip. We don’t drink so add a bit to that if you do. While a few dinners are just over $30 most of them are in the $12-$25 range. Lunch prices were less.

If you’re looking for a nice atmosphere with great food, The Packing House on Layton Avenue would be a good choice.

A great place for a family meal

It is a big step up from just about any restaurant chain. The food and the atmosphere are both special. The service is great. It would be a great place to take the family for a meal (they have a children’s menu). You may want to try their Milwaukee Friday Fish Fry (get in line early).

The phone for The Packing House Milwaukee, Wisconsin:

414-483-5054

Address for the Packing House:

Google Map for The Packing House:

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Website for The Packing House:

foodspot.com It’s awful but that’s the one they claim.

Flowers for Valentine’s Day or any occasion from Parkway Floral in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Parkway Floral has a special place in my life.

My wife and I had a very small wedding. There were a number of reasons it was this way, but I think we both wanted it to be small. It was a bit unconventional for an American wedding as my wife wore a traditional Chinese wedding dress which is red and not white.

Originally my wife had not planned on having a bouquet.

The morning of the wedding, she decided that she wanted to have a bouquet. So among all the other things I needed to to that morning, I needed to find a wedding bouquet and fast.

Parkway Floral South Milwaukee, WI

My first try for a wedding bouquet was Parkway Floral.

My wife's wedding bouquet from Parkway Floral

I know that most places take while for something like a wedding bouquet so I felt I would be pretty lucky just to have one in time for the wedding which was just a couple hours away. An hour later, I had a beautiful bouquet of red roses (her favorite) for my bride. She was thrilled with it!

If you are looking for great flowers for your wife or girlfriend I recommend Parkway Floral.

They have the most beautiful flowers and flower arrangements. They have lots of choices to make your flowers special. I feel their flowers are better quality than the ones you might find at a supermarket. They seem to last longer.

Parkway Floral in the daytime

They have flower arrangements for all different types of special occasions too.

There are some very cute flower arrangements for a new baby. The have flowers for anniversaries and birthdays. Don’t forget those school occasions like dances.

Of course, Parkway Floral has flowers for Valentines Day.

Parkway Floral from North Chicago Ave.

I know my wife loves flowers. I have on occasion, seen tears in here eyes when I have given her flowers. I think she deserves them.

For great flowers no matter what the occasion, I recommend Parkway Floral in South Milwaukee, WI.

Phone number for Parkway Floral in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin:

414-762-0246 or 1-888-445-5020

Address for Parkway Floral:

Website for Parkway Floral:

ParkwayFloral.com

Google Map to Parkway Floral South Milwaukee, WI

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Italian food at Paisano’s in South Milwaukee, WI.

One reason we chose to eat at Paisano’s Italian Restaurant was it always looks busy.

My wife always noticed that the parking lot is usually full when she went by. So, when we were looking for some place new to try, she wanted to give Paisano’s a try.

Paisono's Italian Restaurant at Night

Paisano’s is easy to find.

It has a large number of neon lights around the building that really stand out. It’s just a few buildings south of College Ave. on North Chicago Ave. (it is called Packard Ave just north in Cudahy) in South Milwaukee. There is plenty of parking around the building.

First, the waitresses were wonderful.

Paisono's South Milwaukee Wisconsin

They were smiling and cheerful. They were very good at making sure we were well taken care of without being annoying at all. I still had plenty of soda in my glass when a full one appeared to replace it. It was great service.

The food was great too!

I had the Delmonico Steak. It was topped with onions, mushrooms and mozzaralla cheese. I never even finished the french fries.

My wife had the Sicilian Beef with Pasta. Her dish was so full that it didn’t look like she ate much when she finished. I had some the next day for lunch and it was still good. We both felt the soup was extremely good. The soup itself could have been enough for a full meal. I cannot remember if they called it minestrone or Mediterranean  soup. It was very thick with lots of mushrooms.

We also had an order of french fries for our niece and the Charbroiled Prime Rib for my wife’s sister. The waitress brought out the fries early for our little niece. Even with the rest of us helping, there were probably enough fries left from the huge bowl to make a full serving at many places.

The steaks came with a choice of potato (at least four choices there) and all the dinners had the choice of soup or salad and a choice of garlic bread or Italian bread. We were too full to even think about the pudding that was included (maybe next time).

Paisono's during the day.

I felt the prices were very good.

Nearly all the dinners on the menu are in the $9.00 to $12.00 range. The steaks we had were a bit more but not too bad.  If you were to go for lunch, they have a large number of sandwiches in the $6-$8 range with french fries and coleslaw.

Paisano’s also makes homemade Italian style pizza.

Crust options are:

• Thin-n-crsipy
• Thick-n-chrunchy
• Pan Style

Paisano’s Italian Restaurant has a nice decor if you eat in.

This artwork on the outside is similar to the painted walls in the dining room.

Phone for Paisano’s Italian Restaurant:

Address for Paisano’s:

Website for Paisono’s Italian Restaurant:

paisanositalianrestaurant.com

Google Map to Paisano’s Italian Restaurant

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Robert’s European Imports has changed to Esther’s European Imports and moved down the street.

One of the stores that I always liked to visit in New Glarus was Robert’s European Imports. I was shocked to find the store closed but relieved to find the same store down the street using the new name: Esther’s European Imports. My first though is that it wouldn’t be quite the same, but it turned out to be just like the old gift shop. It has the same imported gifts and the same feeling.

Esther’s European Imports reminds me of the Swiss shop at the beginning of “Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon.”

Esther's European Imports has a fun mix of Swiss products

I can’t explain why. Esther’s is a gift shop not a restaurant. It could be all the authentic Swiss folk wear that is for sale there. Maybe they were playing some Swiss music (they have traditional Swiss music for sale on CD’s).

Why do I like Esther’s European Imports?

My wife and the Swiss Cow outside Esther's European Imports

Because all my life I wanted a Victorinox Swiss Champ Swiss Army Knife and they have a large selection of them. The also have the little parts like the toothpicks and tweezers to replace the ones in your knife that get lost. I can’t think of a better, more Swiss place to buy a Swiss Army knife. I just haven’t been able to justify the money yet to myself (or my wife).

There are lots of genuine Swiss gifts to buy.

There are several Fondue sets (I never knew there were different types). They have some Swiss designed kitchen utensils. Glassware, wood carvings, and plenty of smaller gifts with Swiss logos. There are Swiss cow bells of all different sizes.

Swiss watches.

Esther’s also has a few Swiss watches. They also have Swiss pocket watches and cuckoo clocks.

I mentioned the Swiss folk wear and there is other Swiss apparel too. There is also lots of T-shirts, sweatshirts, and caps with Swiss logos. There is some embroidery and lacework too.

Esther is an immigrant from Switzerland. Her husband is also from Switzerland and owns the Alp and Dell cheese store in Monroe, WI. It’s nice to know the feeling I got entering Robert’s European Imports will always be kept in Esther’s European Imports. It may even get stronger.

The new location is in the Anderson Mall.

The Anderson Mall holds several small businesses. Like many of the New Glarus buildings it has a Swiss style to it. This location puts Esther’s Imports just across from the New Glarus Bakery.

Address for Esther’s European Imports:

Phone:

608-527-2417

Website for Esther’s European Imports:

www.shopswiss.com

Google Map:

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The Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate House in New Glarus, WI

The smell of chocolate.

That intoxicating, sweet aroma that you smell if you sniff a fresh chocolate bar up close. That is what thinking about the Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus brings to my mind. That wonderful smell of chocolate sugar is the first thing that I became aware of when I stepped inside. That smell alone is worth a trip to New Glarus, Wisconsin.

The Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus is also one of the more “Swiss looking” buildings in New Glarus.

The Maple Leaf is across the street from the New Glarus Hotel Restaurant which is another building in the Swiss style. They are two very photographic buildings that really bring that “Christmas around the year” feeling that exemplifies New Glarus so well. The Cheese and Chocolate Haus would look very much at home on a Swiss slope just like many New Glarus buildings.

Back to that wonderful smell of chocolate.

Not what I expected from a cheese and chocolate place. The Maple Leaf specialty is fudge. They make their own fudge and have 40 flavors to choose from. They even have some sugar free flavors so everyone can enjoy the visit even if you can’t have sugar.

There are also a large number of imported candies and chocolates. I personally enjoyed an ice cream on their homemade waffle cone on my last visit. Some places make great ice cream but the waffle cone from the Maple Leaf does taste amazing.

The Maple Leaf is a “cheese and chocolate haus.”

They have a lot more than chocolate fudge. They have many, many different cheeses. In fact, they have well over 80 different cheeses. Many are award winning Wisconsin cheeses. They also have imported cheeses from Europe and domestic and imported wines (to go with the cheese).

The Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus does have some seasonal hours.

I suggest visiting their website or calling. They also have gift boxes that can be shipped if you can’t make it to New Glarus, although I recommend a trip to New Glarus for that wonderful chocolate smell.

Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus address:

554 1st Street

New Glarus, WI 53574

Google Map to Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus:

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Maple Leaf Website

www.mapleleafcheeseandchocolatehaus.com

Cheese and Chocolate Haus Phone:

(608) 527-2000

Xtreme Fireworks Caledonia, Wisconsin

Fireworks!

What is more American than firecrackers for the 4^th of July? Satisfy your pyrotechnic leanings at Extreme Fireworks Caledonia, Wisconsin in Racine county. Xtreme Fireworks is just a few miles south of Milwaukee county, next to I-94 just north of the Hwy K exit #329. It is just 15 minutes north of the Wisconsin-Illinois border.

Much like the Little Rascals, finding fireworks was a major pursuit for my friends and I as a child.

Things like sparklers and smoke bombs and other benign fireworks could be found in stores around the 4^th of July, but the real stuff was hard to find. For my friend, firecrackers were what he desired and he would spend the 2 weeks after the 4^th looking along the side of the road for any firecrackers that had not exploded. My personal obsession was bottle rockets and moon travelers. We often bought or traded for anything we could find. I think I still have a few lady fingers in a drawer from those days.

In some areas, you could find a firework stand the last couple weeks before July 4^th.

Occasionally, these roadside firework stands had larger fountains and ground displays. I would spend all I had, even though they never had things like Roman candles or bottle rockets.

Nowadays, you can go to places like Xtreme Fireworks in Caledonia, WI and get nearly anything you want.

Firecrackers, bottle rockets, and even sparklers for those that do not like loud noises. They have aerial display fireworks larger than I would have dreamed of when I was a kid. Rockets of all kinds as well as ground displays. You name it, Extreme Fireworks probably has fireworks at least close to it. They have the name brand fireworks too, like Black Cat firecrackers, my friend’s favorite firecracker.

Xtreme Fireworks Racine, Wisconsin has special assortments also.

You can save quite a bit on your fireworks displays by buying one of these assortments. They have many different types including a family assortment that is mostly fountains, sparklers and other 4^th of July classics like snakes fireworks, snappers, and that old mammoth smoke. Other assortments offer fireworks packages with aerial displays that will win the block war. You can also get free fireworks for buying a certain amount of fireworks or other specials.

Xtreme Fireworks has a catalog.

In the catalog you will find the latest deals and assortments. Call or visit their Website.

Extreme Fireworks Caledonia, WI Phone number:

• 1-888-887-2264 (1-888-887-BANG)

Address for Extreme Fireworks:

• 2720 West 5 Mile Road
• Caledonia, Wisconsin 53108-9706

Xtreme Fireworks Hours:

• Everyday 9am-9pm
• June 25^th – July 4^th 8am-Midnight

Map to Extreme Fireworks Racine Wisconsin

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Xtreme Fireworks Website:

• xfireworks.com

Prime Outlets Pleasant Prairie Wisconsin

The Prime Outlets in Pleasant Prairie, WI is often referred to by Wisconsin residents as the Kenosha Mall or the Kenosha Outlet Mall.

The Prime Outlets Mall was the second outlet mall in the area. The origianl outlet mall was further north on I-94, but has since closed, leaving the Prime Outlets the main shopping attraction along I-94 in Kenosha County.

If you are coming north from Illinois, the Prime Outlets mall is at the first exit north of the Wisconsin-Illinois border.

Take exit #347 east to the frontage road. It is about 45 minutes from Chicago, Illinois. It is about 25 minutes from Milwaukee. On any given day, you will see both Illinois and Wisconsin license plates about equally represented in the parking lots.

Why go to the Prime Outlets Mall?

Great outlet prices is one of the main attractions to the Pleasant Prairie Mall. You will find great shopping deals every day. Wide selection and name brands is another reason to go. All the most popular names in not only fashion, but housewares and even Sony electronics are represented.

Some of the stores at the Prime Outlets Kensha mall are:

• Coach Factory
• Aeropostal
• Tommy Hilfiger
• United Colors of Benetton
• Nike
• adidas
• PacSun
• Old Navy
• IZOD
• Jones New York
• Jockey
• J.Crew
• Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store
• Banana Republic Factory Store
• Bass Outlet
• Sony
• Seiko The Company Store
• Tupperware
• Fossil
• The Hoover Company
• Sunglass Hut International
• Samsonite Company Stores
• Guess
• Gap

and many more.

The Prime Outlets Mall has grown over the years.

It has doubled from its original size. In fact, there is now Trolley service available to get around on weekends. There is also a separate Pavilion building where the food court is available.

Some nearby tourist attractions:

• Bristol Renaissance Faire
• Jelly Belly Center and factory
• The City of Kenosha, WI
• Lake Geneva, WI
• Six Flags Great America is a few minutes south on I-94.

Shopping hours:

• Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm
• Sunday 10am-7pm

Hours may change.

Phone number for the Prime Outlets Pleasant Prairie, WI

• 262-857-2101

Address for the Prime Outlets Kenosha

• 11211 120th Avenue
• Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin 53158

Map to Prime Outlet at Pleasant Prairie Wisconsin

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Website for Prime Outlets

• http://primeoutlets.com

di Carlo’s Pizza Oak Creek, WI

Trattoria Di Carlo

Di Carlo’s Pizza has become well known in the Milwaukee area for being one of the best places to eat. It certainly has great pizza, but that is not all. Di Carlo Pizza also has a large number of other Italian specialties. Steak and seafood are also on the menu.

The original Di Carlo Pizza was a very small building.

This meant a long waiting time for the few tables. It was worth the wait. Even to sit in the somewhat cramped dinning room.

They have expanded the building.

Now there is much more room. The parking lot is still usually full on many nights. There is also a separate entrance for carry out orders.

Prices are nice too.

Di Carlo’s Specialty Pizzas range from $10.00 to $24.50 for the 18 inch “Everything but the kitchen sink.” Most of the Specialties and entrees are in the $12-$20 range. There is also a children’s menu. Di Carlo Pizza of Oak Creek also does catering.

Di Carlo’s does both carry out and delivery.

Phone number for Di Carlo Pizza

• 414-768-0001

Address for Di Carlo Pizza

• 8469 South Howell Avenue
• Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154

Map to Di Carlo Pizza Oak Creek Wisconsin

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Websites for Di Carlo Pizza

• Di Carlo Pizza
• Trattoria Di Carlo Catering

China Chef South Milwaukee, WI

China Chef is a gem for South Milwaukee.

It may be one of the best Chinese restaurants in the state. The food is definitely above most Chinese restaurants including those in Chinatown Chicago, Ill. This is the first Chinese restaurant that my wife (who is Chinese) admitted the food was as good as hers.

Sherry and her husband Chef Wang provide a Chinese menu that is above most others.

Chef Wang was a professional chef in China. He also won a top 10 chef competition in China. The food demonstrates his ability. Their motto is “Let the food talk.”

China Chef of South Milwaukee used to be named Great Shanghai.

The name was changed when they purchased their own building and move a few block to their present location on Milwaukee Avenue in South Milwaukee,

Wisconsin. They did a great job of decorating the new location. Bamboo plants are everywhere in the dining room.

The prices are very reasonable.

You will get your money’s worth. You will also probably be taking some home as the plates are served full. The lunch buffet is also well priced.

I have been to Chinese restaurants where all the food tastes the same.

At China Chef, you will be able to taste the difference between Mongolian Beef and Hunan Beef. Both are delicious also. The appetizers are also wonderful.

Restaurant hours:

• Monday-Thursday 11:00am-9:30pm
• Friday-Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm
• Sunday 12:00 noon-9:00pm

Lunch Buffet Hours

• Monday-Friday 11:00am-2:00pm

Phone numbers for China Chef South Milwaukee, WI

• 414-764-1966
• 414-764-2148

Address for China Chef Chinese Restaurant

• 1224 Milwaukee Avenue
• South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53172

Map for China Chef South Milwaukee, Wisconsn

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China Chef has a Website that is currently under construction.

• smchinachef.com

Let the food talk at China Chef!

Donn Powers Jeweler South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Donn Powers Jeweler is “Your Hometown Jeweler.”

That is the motto on the side of the building in downtown South Milwaukee. Donn Powers himself is one of the most positive small business men I have met. He also regularly travels to Antwerp, Belgium himself to personally select the diamonds he sells. While Donn is a Master Goldsmith and Master Watchmaker, he has a talented team that works for him. It is a great place to buy jewelry.

Donn Powers Jeweler is a full service jewelry store.

Engagement rings, wedding ring and bands, necklaces, and chains for sale are available. They also specialize in custom jewelry and one of a kind pieces. They have loose diamonds, pearls, and other precious stones. A full line of quality watches is also available from makers like Seiko, Pulsar, Citizen, and Colibri.

All repairs are done in the shop at Donn Powers Jeweler.

Watch repair is done by Donn Powers himself, a Certified Master Watchmaker. Jewelry repair likewise is done in the store. They also provide custom remounting of Jewelry.

Phone Number for Donn Powers Jeweler

• 414-762-2106

Address for Donn Powers Jeweler:

• 2110 10th Avenue
• South Milwaukee WI 53172

Map for Donn Powers Jeweler South Milwaukee, WI

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Website For Donn Powers Jeweler

• www.DonnPowersJeweler.com